Xhosa Collection

South Africa (XIX). Zulu Kingdom (1883). Restoration Cettewayo, king of the Zulus. Cetewayo attends the ceremony indaba conference to meet the Induna (Zulu and Xhosa leaders)

Pusega, daughter of Coba (or Kobé), a chief of the Gqunukhwebe tribe, 1778. Creator: Robert Jacob Gordon
Pusega, daughter of Coba (or Kobe), a chief of the Gqunukhwebe tribe, 1778

The kraal of Captain Coba (or Kobé), a chief of the Gqunukhwebe, 1777. Creator: Robert Jacob Gordon
The kraal of "Captain" Coba (or Kobe), a chief of the Gqunukhwebe, 1777

Running Man Holding an Assegai in His Right Hand and Four Assegais in His Left, 1776-1795. Creator: Robert Jacob Gordon
Running Man Holding an Assegai in His Right Hand and Four Assegais in His Left, 1776-1795. Xhosa warrior

Kaffir Wars, South Africa, Attacking a Native Position (there were nine wars or conflicts between 1779 and 1879)

The Skirmish at Driekoppen, near Zwaartkopjes, 1845, engraved by Paul Gauci (1834-66)
NAM261023 The Skirmish at Driekoppen, near Zwaartkopjes, 1845, engraved by Paul Gauci (1834-66), published in c.1845 (colour litho) by English School, (19th century) (after); National Army Museum

DDE-90021957
Transkye, South Africa. Scenic lake in the transkye Date: 19/02/2005

DDE-90021937
Coffee Bay, Transkye, Wild Coast, South Africa. Hole in the Rock Date: 19/02/2005

DDE-90021939
Coffee Bay, Transkye, Wild Coast, South Africa. Scenic outlooks over the coffe bay ocean. Date: 19/02/2005

DDE-90021938
Coffee Bay, Transkye, Wild Coast, South Africa. Hole in the Rock Date: 19/02/2005

DDE-90021935
Coffee Bay, Transkye, Wild Coast, South Africa. Hiking through the Coffee Bay region towards the Hole in the Rock. Date: 19/02/2005

DDE-90021936
Coffee Bay, Transkye, Wild Coast, South Africa. Hole in the Rock Date: 19/02/2005

DDE-90021932
Coffee Bay, Transkye, Wild Coast, South Africa. Stunning beaches in Coffee Bay Date: 19/02/2005

DDE-90021934
Coffee Bay, Transkye, Wild Coast, South Africa. Hiking through the Coffee Bay region towards the Hole in the Rock. Date: 19/02/2005

DDE-90021933
Coffee Bay, Transkye, Wild Coast, South Africa. Stunning beaches in Coffee Bay Date: 19/02/2005

DDE-90021931
Coffee Bay, Transkye, Wild Coast, South Africa. Stunning beaches in Coffee Bay Date: 19/02/2005

Portraits of Xhosa people in headdresses
Portraits of Xhosa (Kaffir) people of South Africa in headdresses, fur capes and earrings. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Antonio Sasso from Giulio Ferrarios Ancient

Sir George Grey (1812 - 1898), British soldier, explorer, colonial administrator and writer. Date: late 1890s

Kreli, Chief of the Galekas, 1877, (c1880). Episode of the Xhosa Wars (also known as the Cape Frontier Wars, Kaffir Wars), from 1779 to 1879 in South Africa

Fight Between the Galekas and the Fingoes at Butterworth River, Oct, 4, 1877, c1880. Episode of the Xhosa Wars (also known as the Cape Frontier Wars, Kaffir Wars), from 1779 to 1879 in South Africa

Sir Harry Smith - 4
Sir Harry Smith (1787 - 1860) - soldier and administrator whose arrogant and insensitive policies, coupled with his incompetence, led to catastrophe for the Xhosa (Kaffirs) in South Africa

Sir Harry Smith - 2
Sir Harry Smith (1787 - 1860) - soldier and administrator whose arrogant and insensitive policies, coupled with his incompetence, led to catastrophe for the Xhosa (Kaffirs)in South Africa

Sir Harry Smith - 3
Sir Harry Smith (1787 - 1860) - soldier and administrator whose arrogant and insensitive policies, coupled with his incompetence, led to catastrophe for the Xhosa (Kaffirs)in South Africa

Xhosa man in grass belt and woman suckling a baby.. Handcolored lithograph from Friedrich Wilhelm Goedsches Complete Gallery of Peoples in True Pictures, Meissen, circa 1835-1840

Costumes of musicians and warrior of the Xhosa, South Africa.. Handcolored lithograph from Friedrich Wilhelm Goedsches Complete Gallery of Peoples in True Pictures, Meissen, circa 1835-1840

Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) - Coach crossing Limpopo
Black and white lantern Slide of Coach crossing Limpopo - British South Africa. Part of Box 288, British South Africa. Boswell Collection

AmaPondo (Xhosa) boy wrapped in rugs with white clay (I-Futa) on face, after being circumcised (uku-Lukwa) and having finished initiation / seclusion period during which they are known as aba-Kweta

Coffee Bay, Transkye, South Africa. Some cows relax in the sun on a quiet beach

Coffee Bay, Transkye, Wild Coast, South Africa. Hiking through the Coffee Bay region towards the Hole in the Rock

Man and Woman from the land of Natal. These people are likely Xhosa - speakers of Bantu languages living in south-east South Africa. A book of national types and costumes from the early 19th century

Sir Harry Smith - 1
SIR HARRY SMITH - soldier and administrator whose arrogant and insensitive policies, coupled with his incompetence, led to catastrophe for the Xhosa (Kaffirs)in South Africa

SIR G GREY (1812-1898)
SIR GEORGE GREY - Colonial administrator whose arrogance and insensitivity, despite his abilities, led to catastrophe for the New Zealand Maoris and S. African Xhosa (Kaffirs)

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Xhosa, a vibrant and resilient ethnic group hailing from South Africa, has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The Xhosa people played a significant role in shaping the region's cultural landscape. During the 1800s, South Africa was embroiled in conflicts known as the Kaffir Wars. These wars saw various indigenous tribes fighting against British colonial forces. The they were among those who fiercely resisted colonization and bravely defended their native positions. In 1845, an intense skirmish took place at Driekoppen near Zwaartkopjes, which became etched into history. This event was so impactful that it caught the attention of renowned artist Paul Gauci, who immortalized it through his engravings. The restoration of the Zulu Kingdom in 1883 marked another significant chapter for both South Africa and its diverse communities like the Xhosa. It symbolized resilience and unity among different tribes striving for independence and self-determination. The legacy of the Xhosa people is one of strength and perseverance. They have overcome countless challenges throughout history while preserving their unique culture and traditions. Today, they continue to contribute significantly to South African society through art, music, literature, and more. As we reflect on these historical events captured by photographs numbered DDE-90021957, DDE-90021937, DDE-90021939, DDE-90021938, DDE-90021935, DDE-90021936, DDE-90021932, DDE-90021934, and DDE-90021933, let us remember that every image tells a story – one filled with triumphs over adversity and unwavering determination for freedom. The spirit lives on within each generation as they honor their ancestors' struggles while embracing progress towards a brighter future.